Alappuzha: The free ration supply in the flood-affected regions was hindered on the very first day itself. The setback occurred after the ration dealers refused to distribute rice unless it is brought for free.

The Department of Civil Supplies had directed the ration dealers to supply rice for free which they have bought paying the price and stocked in shops. The department also assured that the price of the rice will be paid within next month.

However, majority of the ration dealer’s associations opposed this, as they had to wait for one year to get the price of free ration given during previous flood havoc. In some places, even the price of free ration supplied before that was not paid.

The government had declared that the free ration supply will start in August. But the Centre refused to provide rice for free. With this, the government decided to provide the free ration by any means to keep their image and issued a special order in this regard.

As part of the move, necessary arrangements were made in E-POS machines also. A total of 48 lakh families in 1038 flood-hit villages in the state are eligible for the free ration supply.